Genesis 37-50: Joseph - Dave Lewis - Fellowship Hall
Our yearlong study of Genesis concludes with one of the most well-known stories in the Old Testament. The narrative goes far beyond a coat of many colors and some jealous brothers. This is a story about God working all things for good. And, it is a story about how God uses one man who was rejected by those closest to him, and who was left for dead then raised to glory, for the salvation of God's chosen people. This class will help us to see how the story of Joseph and God's providence in his life teaches us about God's saving hand in our own lives.

Humanity According to the Bible - Aaron Halvorsen - B2
Who are we as humans? How did God design us? What is our great purpose, worth, and dignity? How we answer these questions is hugely important, and touches on just about every aspect of our daily lives, and every controversial issue in our world today. While we won't be able to answer every cultural issue, we will be able to form a biblical foundation of what it means to be human according to Scripture. And as we understand how and why God made us, we will better know how to follow Him in this world.

Death and Dying - Kirk Carlson - B3
We may not want to think about death and dying, as it can and will elicit feelings of both sorrow and confusion. But the more we can demystify what Scripture says about death, the more we can walk through it and help others to do the same, yet in the light of the hope of the gospel. This class will examine what Scripture says, and doesn't say, about death and dying, that we may know what Scripture says and how we can apply it while we are still living.

As we discussed and voted on at the Family Gathering, we offered our facility to host a Christian homeschool co-op (Southland Academy) for the 26-27 school year. Our offer was contingent upon several items. While Southland was willing to satisfy these items, they were unable to secure parts of the insurance required in the time they had prior to finalizing enrollment for the coming school year, so we will not be able to partner with them at this time. Southland was thankful for our offer and disappointed that they could not get all details in place in time. The elders are thankful for the gracious discussion we had at the Family Gathering, and most of all for your willingness to encourage other believers by sharing the facility God has provided for us.

We finished the book that we had been reading, The Multigenerational Church Crisis, by Bryan Chapell. Because it focused on the challenges the Church faces, it at times seemed somewhat gloomy. However, the book concluded, as it should, with words of hope; “Our hope is not merely optimistic wishing; it is strong confidence that the Lord will continue to bring to completion His plan to disciple the nations until all the world unites in glorifying our Savior. Churches that trust God's promises will rejoice to entrust new generations with this mission of God and will celebrate every opportunity to understand, equip, and resource their future faithfulness.” We pray that CBC will continue to be such a church.

And speaking of hope! It was a joy to welcome Kyle Becerra and Cole Younger to our elder meeting. Their candidacy for eldership was announced at the Family Gathering, and the period leading to our next Family Gathering will be a time of discernment. Kyle and Cole will prayerfully consider their calling to eldership, and we would ask that you pray for Kyle and Cole during this time as well to see where our church is led in this matter.

Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

• Thursday - 24-Hour Fast - Beginning Thursday evening at 6:00pm, we invite you to fast for 24 hours. The purpose of fasting is to humble ourselves in dependence on God, recognizing our need for Him. Specifically, we want to ask that God bear much fruit in and through our church this Easter weekend.
  
  
• Friday - Communion Supper - On Friday at 6:00pm, we will break bread together in the Fellowship Hall, and also celebrate communion together. Bring bread, soup, or something else to share for this potluck meal, and we will commune with each other and with thanks to God for His faithful provision - especially in the death of Christ for us.
  
  
• Friday - Good Friday Service - After our meal, at 7:00pm on Friday, we will meet in the Worship Center and remember the death of Christ. This year we will walk through the last week of Jesus' earthly ministry, from Sunday to Friday, leading up to His death on the cross.
  
  
• Saturday - Holy Saturday Prayer - Immediately after the Good Friday service, and ending on Sunday morning, we will have continuous prayer in the CBC Prayer Room. Individuals are signing up for one hour of prayer, and the goal is that each hour between the Good Friday and Easter services will be covered with someone intentionally praying for the church and for our celebration on Resurrection Sunday.
  
  
• Sunday - Early Morning Worship - On Sunday morning at 8:30am, before our breakfast in the Fellowship Hall, we will meet for a brief time of song and prayer at the three crosses outside of the Worship Center, so that we may immediately begin the day with praise.
  
  
• Sunday - Easter Breakfast - On Sunday morning at 9:00 in the Fellowship Hall, we will enjoy a simple time of eating together and fellowship. Bring friends and family and/or sign up to bring an egg casserole, and we will share a joyful breakfast together. (Also, at 9:30am, kids will be dismissed for a special Easter morning class!)
  
  
• Sunday - Easter Service - On Sunday, come ready to praise with joy, and bring others to do the same! Our text will be Romans 8:18-25, focusing on the glory of the future resurrection founded in Christ's own resurrection.

Even now, let's pray that the Spirit of God will lead us in service, in prayer, and in worship this Easter week!

• The number of new visitors that have come to worship with us (we always note them by name so we can be mindful of meeting and welcoming them as the opportunity presents).
• The discipling and mentorship that is underway, many involving youth.
• Those who are contemplating membership.

There are over 50 people that fall into one of those categories!

Our remaining focus was primarily on the Family Gathering (March 1). Although only members can vote at this meeting, all are welcome and encouraged to attend. There are several items up for consideration by the membership, and you have already received advance information via email. The agenda will include announcement of elder candidate(s), ministry reports, financial reports, and update on the vision summary (i.e. an update on the life of our church).

There are two items that will be discussed and voted on. The first is the potential of selling the South Lot (beyond the new parking lot, commonly referred to as “the hill”). The second is the possible use of our facility by a homeschoolers coop for classroom style learning.

In the case of the sale of the lot, we would lose the current and future use of the lot. On the other hand, we would be able to, for example, pay our mortgage down and devote resources to other ministries. Another perspective is to examine it from how to best achieve the mission of the church.

In the second case (homeschooler's use) it is natural to first look at the tangible effects on us as a congregation; inconvenience, rescheduling group meetings, the possibility of extra work, the wear and tear on our facility. However, we also must recognize the growth opportunities in being good stewards of what God has blessed us with, in being generous, and encouraging and supporting those Christians in our own body and beyond.

Looking forward to this Family Gathering time together. And thanks to the youth who will be preparing yet another Mennonite Brethren specialty for our family meal together, tacos!